How to Buy Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs can add a unique identity to any room. They can bring elegance and texture to make your home look classy. You can even make it your centerpiece and work your color scheme around it. In reality, unethical dealers are in a minority but they do exist like in any other business.

Here are some useful tips when you’re buying oriental rugs:

Do your homework. You can start by studying catalogues and prices at big auctions and dealers. This will give you an idea of how much the price range is of oriental rugs in the market. You will also stumble upon designs and patterns that you like. Ultimately, you can do your research online, too, though prices will be more accurate if you go to the dealers. And then, you can check out smaller shops in your city and look at more rugs, comparing prices, quality and design.

Before you start shopping, know the size and color of the rug that you want to buy. Think about where you will place it in your home or room. Draw a rough sketch of the layout of your room and where the furnitures are located, and note the dimensions. This will save you a lot of time and stress. If you are planning to place the rug under a table, know the size of the table. If you will use it as a stairs runner, know how many steps there are or how tall the stairs are.

If you are not adept with oriental rugs, know your dealer. Choose a knowledgeable dealer and avoid shady ones or those who are selling at extremely low prices. Think of it this way, if the dealer is giving you an 80% discount, is it realistic to pay only 20% of the original price of a hand-woven rug? The dealer should not pressure you into making a purchase, and should be able to answer all your questions that will help you in making your decision. Choosing where to buy your rug is the most important step in buying oriental rugs.

Judge the quality of the rug. The following factors affect the price of an oriental rug: quality, country of origin, age, condition and decorative demand. The weave of the rug should clearly show the design. Prices depend on design and color trends, and classic designs usually retain their original value. Remember that a rug’s age will increase it’s value, and adverse condition will decrease it.

If you are buying a modern rug, choose one based on the “personality” of the rug, rather its nationality. While Persian rugs have been the most popular in the last few hundred years, India, Pakistan, China, Tibet, Turkey and Nepal are now well known for making beautiful rugs.

Remember to buy a rug that you love! Call or visit Sharafi and we’ll help you find the rug that you want.